Return of staffed opening times in community libraries

This information was correct at the time of publication. Find the latest information on library services available during COVID-19.

We’ll be reintroducing staffed services in most of the city’s community libraries over the next few weeks.

Portslade, Saltdean, Whitehawk and Woodingdean libraries will return to staff opening on some days in the week beginning 14 September, with Coldean, Hangleton, Moulsecoomb, and Rottingdean following in the week of 28 September.

‘Libraries Extra’ services in the libraries returned at the end of August. 

The exceptions are the libraries in Mile Oak and Hollingbury Old Boat Corner where libraries are in shared buildings, and Patcham and Westdene libraries, which remain closed while we carry out refurbishment work.

Jubilee Library and Hove Library opened with reduced services in early August.

Jubilee Library is open from 10am to 5pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, and from 11am to 5pm on Sunday. Hove Library is open from 10am to 5pm on Wednesday and Friday.

Remember you need your library membership card to borrow books or use a computer. If you aren’t a member, you can join the library using our online form or in a library.

Keeping visitors safe

As the number of people who can be safely accommodated in the libraries is limited, we’re asking for visits to be kept to a maximum of 15 minutes.

Use of the library computers will also be limited to an hour, or two hours for concessions. Everyone using computers will be asked to clean them before and after use with wipes provided.

Face coverings are required inside the buildings, apart from people who are exempt. Exemptions include children under 11, people with disabilities or breathing difficulties, and those with people who rely on lip reading.

While we are gradually re-introducing library services, we’re still facing significant challenges with many staff supporting vital services elsewhere and restrictions such as physical distancing and the need to quarantine books. Please bear with us!  

Opening times

From the week beginning 14 September:

  • Portslade Library will be staffed from 9am to 5pm on Thursday and Friday and 9.30am to 5pm on Saturday, with Libraries Extra access in operation the rest of the week.
  • Saltdean Library will be staffed from 9am to 5pm on Friday and 9.30am to 5pm on Saturday, with Libraries Extra access in operation the rest of the week.
  • Whitehawk Library will be staffed from 9am to 5pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, with Libraries Extra access in operation the rest of the week, except Sunday when it is closed.
  • Woodingdean Library will be staffed from 9am to 5pm on Thursday and Friday and 9.30am to 5pm on Saturday, with Libraries Extra access in operation the rest of the week.

From the week beginning 28 September:

  • Coldean Library will be staffed from 9am to 5pm on Friday, with Libraries Extra access in operation the rest of the week, except Wednesday when it is closed to operate Home Delivery Services.
  • Hangleton Library will be staffed from 9am to Thursday and Friday and 9.30am to 5pm on Saturday, with Libraries Extra access in operation the rest of the week, except Monday when it is closed to operate Home Delivery Services.
  • Moulsecoomb Library will be staffed from 9am to 5pm on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, with Libraries Extra access in operation the rest of the week.
  • Rottingdean Library will be staffed from 9am to 5pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, with Libraries Extra access in operation the rest of the week.
  • Westdene Library will be staffed from 9am to 5pm on Tuesday, with Libraries Extra access in operation the rest of the week.

All the libraries offer Libraries Extra services between 1pm and 2pm on staffed days.

Home delivery service

If you need to stay at home due to a health condition or are caring for someone who does, our library service can help through the Home Delivery Service.

If you’re interested in having books delivered to your door, please call us on 01273 296992 and leave a message - don't forget to say that you are interested in the Home Delivery Service! A member of staff will ring you back to discuss how we can best help you. 

Order & Collect and library eServices 

Library members can also now order books from a selection online, which can be collected from Jubilee and Hove libraries at your convenience within the following two weeks.

You can order books by following the link on our library webpages, or can email libraries@brighton-hove.gov.uk or call us 01273 290800.

There are also many Library eServices that you can enjoy for free. eBooks, eAudiobooks, eNewpapers, eMagazines, eComics and online activities for families.

Visit our libraries webpages to find out more. 

You can also email libraries@brighton-hove.gov.uk or phone 01273 290800.

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